Instagram vs. Vine: Pros, Cons, and Tips

That was the proclamation across social media last month when everyone's favorite photo app, Instagram, unleashed its new, fancy video feature. Loaded with fifteen seconds to fill, thirteen filters, and editing capabilities, what's not to love? Why would anyone want to keep Vine, the hipster-friendly, no-filter, six-second video app?

Here's why you'll want to keep both. They're not identical twins. They're more like cousins, each with its own quirky personality. Feel like showing off or crowd surfing at a big party? Go with Instagram. Feel like chilling out with friends, and having a good laugh? Vine. Think of both like parties; you want to make an appearance. See, there's no need to get full on haterade. Here are some tips to spread your wings and fly as the social media butterfly you're about to become.

Know Your Hashtags Hashtags may be annoying, but if you want get mega-likes, they're going to be your BFF. People search up tags all the time, and might even give you a follow. The key to tagging is simple: label your picture/video. For example, with a picture of you and your dog, tag "#instadog, #DogsOfInstagram, or #DogsofVine. Join a hashtag trend, like the nightly under-the-blanket confessional #SerapeSecrets. Put a blanket over your head, share silly secrets, and tag the post #serapesecrets. Doing this will expose you to new followers, and potential friends. Keep up to date on the hashtags for all social media platforms, and you can't go wrong.

Stop Saying "Three" or "Go!" If you're a newbie to any video feature, you'll start to become peeved at the word "3," or "GO". You'll usually hear this when someone is giving a heads up on when to start the video. Stop doing this. It makes you look and sound like the biggest newbie. A solution to this: motion your hand, or nod. Simple as that. Here's an example of a perfect vine ruined by a two-letter word.

Limit The Food, Baby, Pet, and Duck Face Posts It's your profile, sure. But if you're wondering why you're losing followers and lacking likes, this is probably why. Choose the best picture. Be creative when you post a pic, change the angle, contrast, or caption. Because you're more than a pretty face!

Time Your InstaVids and Vines Instagram allows you a full fifteen seconds, but you don't have to use the full amount. If you like the short but sweet six seconds of Vine, stop at six seconds. Comedic timing is gold. There's nothing more annoying than that few extra awkward seconds. Go for the wow factor and cut it short.

Social Interaction = Luv This is the key to being a social media butterfly. Take time to give love to your followers. Give shout-outs, comment on and like their posts. Interacting with followers or people you follow allows you to make new friends. It's an old-school way to socialize: Someone tells you they like your necklace, you tell them thanks, and then compliment them back.